In a previous life, I spent 3 months in Rome - Bought a few water colors off a street vendor near the Forum for extremely reasonable prices. Some great gift shops near the Vatican, bought a couple marble sculptural pieces, a capodimonte espresso set, inlaid wood from the factory in Sorrento and a lot of clothes LOL. Ironically I wasn't into glass back then so I didn't visit any of the glass studios. My glass obsession started right after this consulting job after acquiring almost 2 mil delta FF miles and is how I got into glass in the first place - (a story for another time)
But I have always been into art and there are some amazing things to be had from street vendors and from the gift shops. The local wines were awesome - That's where I pretty much discovered Pinot Grigio.
Make it a point to visit and take the tour of the inlaid wood factory in Sorrento.
Beware of cute little kids - (gypsies) - I was constantly told they are gonna grope, bump and poke at you so that you don't realize you just got robbed, or so I was always told - never had it happen to me and I pretty much walked everywhere! Visited the Sistine chapel and stood at the top of the dome at St Peters basilica - amazing!
Loved Rome - could live there no problem! Got to see Sorrento, Capri and Naples too - My only regret - Had the chance to go to Venice and Florence with my co-workers for a quick visit and I didn't cash in on it....they went, I didn't and I was sorry I didn't.
I was asked to stay an additional 3 months, which I had accepted, but I got pulled off that project by the VP of our company to go salvage a failing project in New Orleans - which was a huge let down from Rome but I can at least say I have been to New Orleans - also spent 3 months in New Orleans and I'll leave it at that /wink
Have fun! I am jealous
- The Italians were extremely gracious and accommodating. I felt welcome everywhere I went and I don't think it was my blonde hair and blue eyes that made the diff LOL. Italy is a magical place.